Performer says following Christ’s footsteps is like magic
The B.C. Catholic
The crowd holds its breath as a man reaches into a wine glass and removes a torn-up card. “At the very beginning of the night, you picked this card,” he says, pointing to a member of the audience. “Do you remember which card you picked?”
“The eight of hearts!” screams the crowd. He smiles and holds up a sheet of paper bearing the words, “You will pick the eight of hearts.”
Illusionist Danny Ray performed his show, Acts of Mercy, at St. Patrick’s Parish in Vancouver April 23 and 24. By performing illusions while weaving Biblical lessons and metaphors, Ray illustrated the importance of the Year of Mercy to a packed audience.
“Do not forget in the Year of Mercy, in the middle of life’s chaos, to be merciful,” Ray said during his performance. “God
has an incredible story for you. Even if it might feel like complete madness, He has a plan for you, the same way I had a plan for which card would be picked.”
“This Extraordinary Year of Mercy is an important declaration made by Pope Francis to help Catholics all over the world rediscover and experience God’s infinite mercy and His love,” added Father James Hughes, the pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish.
Father Hughes had witnessed Ray’s performance in the previous year, and realized an opportunity to celebrate both the extraordinary Jubilee and offer entertainment. The particular opportunity to reach Catholic families through an unusual approach was used to help support the youth of St. Patrick’s for their pilgrimage to World Youth Day Poland.
“It’s amazing to see the community come out and support our youth,” said Jason Alojado, the producer of the event. “It’s nice to have the community gather for a social event like this one, and also have the message of God’s mercy come out in a different, entertaining way.”
The night began with a message from the archbishop. While Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, could not make it to the event, he had a few words to say regarding the Year of Mercy in a video clip and wished the attendees the best during the performance.
“It is important for us here in Vancouver to celebrate the great message of mercy,” Archbishop Miller said. “It’s a message we receive for ourselves, as we need mercy, but also it is a chance to be the benefactors of mercy, not just the recipients.”
There was also a performance from local music duo “A Guy and a Girl,” who performed several songs before Ray stepped up to the stage to begin his act with a myriad of tricks and illusions involving cards, coins, cups, and metallic balls.
“The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, like He did with me,” he told The B.C. Catholic later. “Sometimes our views of God don’t match up with who He truly is,” just like illusions and truth.
Ray intended his illusions to express God’s mercy and grace in a different way. “Sometimes we need to look at the Scriptures again or talk to another follower of Christ,” he noted. “It can give us a bigger understanding of who He is.”
One of the ways Ray melded illusions with God’s message of mercy was with several cups and metallic balls. He began hiding several of the balls under the cups, only to lift the cups again and find nothing there.
“If a person remains in (God), and He remains in him or her, they will bear much fruit,” said Ray as he placed a single metal ball underneath a cup. “But the moment we forget to connect with Him, we are going to find ourselves empty.” He lifted the cup, revealing nothing below.
“But we just need to remain in Him,” Ray continued. “Not just me, but each of you.” With a final flourish, he lifted the cup to reveal three balls beneath as the crowd cheered.
